Payment network intent fund manager

Abstract

Systems and methods to manage financial transactions based on intentional expenditure alternative funds based on a set of rules are disclosed. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method receives, by an intent funds manager computer (IMMC), a message from an intent issuing entity, the message including a request to create an intent expenditure account and a set of rules defining an expenditure method for alternative funds for the intent expenditure account. The IMMC creates the intent expenditure account based on the message, and sends a notification to a participating financial institution based on the creation, where the notification includes information related to the intent expenditure account and the set of rules defining the expenditure method for depositing the alternative funds in the intent expenditure account, and wherein the participating financial institution, upon receiving the notification, enables a user to register an intentional expenditure plan associated with the intentional expenditure account via at least one bank channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following disclosure generally relates to an intent funds manager computer that enables an entity to share and manage alternative funds for admitted customers, where the alternative funds are for admitted customers to use according to an intent issued by the entity. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In part, in one aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for managing financial transactions of alternative funds based on intent spending based on a set of rules, the computer-implemented method comprising: receiving, by an intent funds manager computer, a message from an intent issuing entity, the message including a request to create an intent spending account and a set of rules defining a spending method for alternative funds to be deposited into the intent spending account; creating, by the intent funds manager computer, the intent spending account, the intent spending account including a unique intent identification code based on the set of rules; sending, by the intent funds manager computer, the unique intent identification code to the intent issuing entity; sending, by the intent funds manager computer, a notification to a participating financial institution, the notification including information related to the intent spending account and the set of rules defining the spending method for the alternative funds to be deposited into the intent spending account; receiving, by the intent funds manager computer, encrypted identification information for a customer to be admitted by the participating financial institution to participate in an intent spending plan associated with the intent spending account, information associated with the customer's payment instrument, the payment instrument being linked to the intent spending account, and information associated with the intent spending account and the set of rules defining the spending method; verifying, by the intent funds manager computer, the encrypted identification information; based on successful verification: creating, by the intent funds manager computer, a prepaid payment instrument for the customer; funding, by the intent funds manager computer, the prepaid payment instrument based on the unique intent identification code until an amount specified by the intent issuing entity is reached; posting, by the intent funds manager computer, the amount to the intent spending account created by the intent funds manager computer; and sending, by the intent funds manager computer, information associated with the prepaid payment instrument and the amount to the participating financial institution.

[0003] In part, in one aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for creating an intended expenditure account, the computer-implemented method comprising: receiving, by an intended funds manager computer, a message from an intended issuing entity, the message including a request to create an intended expenditure account and a set of rules defining an expenditure method for alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account; creating, by the intended funds manager computer, the intended expenditure account based on the message; and sending, by the intended funds manager computer and based on the creation of the intended expenditure account, a notification to a participating financial institution, the notification including information related to the intended expenditure account and the set of rules defining the expenditure method for the alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account, and the participating financial institution enabling a user to register an intended expenditure plan associated with the intended expenditure account upon receipt of the notification.

[0004] In part, in one aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for creating a prepaid payment instrument for use in accordance with intended expenditure alternative funds based on a set of rules, the computer-implemented method comprising, based on a participating financial institution receiving a notification of an established intended expenditure account and enabling a user to register an intended expenditure plan associated with the intended expenditure account: receiving, by an intended funds manager computer, encrypted identification information of a registered customer, information associated with a payment instrument of the registered customer, the payment instrument being linked to the intended expenditure account, and information associated with the intended expenditure account and a set of rules defining an expenditure method for alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account; verifying, by the intended funds manager computer, the encrypted identification information of the registered customer; based on successful verification: creating, by the intended funds manager computer, a prepaid payment instrument for the registered customer in accordance with the information associated with the intended expenditure account and the set of rules defining the expenditure method for the alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account; funding, by the intended funds manager computer, the prepaid payment instrument until an amount specified by the intended issuing entity is reached; posting, by the intended funds manager computer, the amount to the intended expenditure account created by the intended funds manager computer; and sending, by the intended funds manager computer, information associated with the prepaid payment instrument and the amount to the participating financial institution. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] In the description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular aspects, procedures, techniques, etc. to provide a thorough understanding of the technology of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the technology of the present invention may be practiced in other aspects different from these specific details.

[0006] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, together with the following detailed description, and are used to further illustrate aspects of the concepts embodying the claimed disclosure and to explain various principles and advantages of those aspects. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same or functionally similar elements throughout the different views.

[0007] The systems and methods disclosed herein have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are relevant to an understanding of the aspects of the disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0008] Figure 1 A swimlane diagram depicting a process for creating an intended spending account in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 A swimlane diagram depicting a process for linking an existing payment instrument to an intended spending account and creating a virtual prepaid instrument for alternative funds that can be deposited into the intended spending account in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 3 A flowchart depicting a payment processing method using an Intention Money Manager Computer (IMMC) in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 Depicts a method for managing financial transactions based on alternative funds for intended spending based on a set of rules in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 5 Depicts a method for creating an intended spending account in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6 Depicts a method for creating a prepaid payment instrument for use based on alternative funds for intended spending based on a set of rules in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 7 A block diagram of a computer device having a data processing subsystem or components in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an exemplary computer system including a host within which a set of instructions for performing any one or more of the methods discussed herein can be executed in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0016] The following disclosure provides exemplary systems, devices, and methods for conducting financial transactions and related activities. Although such financial transactions may be referenced in the examples provided below, aspects are not limited thereto. That is, the systems, methods, and devices may be used for any suitable purpose.

[0017] Before discussing specific embodiments, aspects, or examples, some descriptions of the terms used herein are provided below.

[0018] "Account credential" may include any information that identifies an account and allows a payment processor to verify that a device, person, or entity has access to the account. For example, an account credential may include an account identifier (e.g., PAN), a token (e.g., an account identifier substitute), an expiration date, a password, a verification value (e.g., card verification value (CVV)), personal information associated with the account (e.g., address, etc.), an account alias, or any combination thereof. Account credentials may be static or dynamic such that they change over time. Additionally, in some embodiments or aspects, account credentials may include information that is both static and dynamic. For example, the account identifier and expiration date may be static, but the password may be dynamic and change for each transaction. Additionally, in some embodiments or aspects, some or all of the account credentials may be stored in a secure memory of a user device. The secure memory of the user device may be configured such that data stored in the secure memory is not directly accessible by external applications and the payment application associated with the secure memory may be accessed to obtain the credentials stored on the secure memory. Thus, a mobile application may interface with the payment application in order to obtain access to the payment credentials stored on the secure memory.

[0019] Furthermore, the terms "account credential", "account number", or "payment credential" may refer to any suitable information associated with an account (e.g., a payment account and / or payment device associated with the account). Such information may be directly related to the account or may be derived from information related to the account. Examples of account information may include PAN (primary account number or "account number"), user name, expiration date, CVV (card verification value), dCVV (dynamic card verification value), CVV2 (card verification value 2), CVC3 card verification value, and so on. A payment credential may be any information that identifies a payment account or is associated with a payment account. A payment credential may be provided in order to make a payment from a payment account. A payment credential may also include a user name, expiration date, gift card number or code, and any other suitable information.

[0020] "Acquirer" may refer to an entity licensed by a transaction service provider and / or approved by a transaction service provider to initiate transactions (e.g., payment transactions) using a portable financial device associated with the transaction service provider. An acquirer may also refer to one or more computer systems operated by or on behalf of the acquirer, such as a server computer (e.g., "acquirer server") that executes one or more software applications. The "acquirer" may be a merchant bank, or in some cases, the merchant system may be the acquirer. The transactions may include original credit transactions (OCTs) and account funding transactions (AFTs). The transaction service provider may authorize the acquirer to sign up merchants of the service provider to initiate transactions using the transaction service provider's portable financial device. The acquirer may contract with a payment service provider to enable the service provider to sponsor merchants. The acquirer may monitor the compliance of the payment service provider according to the regulations of the transaction service provider. The acquirer may conduct due diligence on the payment service provider and ensure that appropriate due diligence is conducted before signing up sponsored merchants. The acquirer may be responsible for all transaction service provider programs that they operate or sponsor. The acquirer may be responsible for the actions of its payment service providers and the merchants sponsored by it or its payment service providers.

[0021] The term "acquirer" generally refers to a commercial entity (e.g., a commercial bank) that has a business relationship with a particular merchant or other entity. Some entities may perform the functions of both an issuer and an acquirer. Some embodiments or aspects may cover such single-entity issuer-acquirers. The acquirer may operate an acquirer computer, which may generally also be referred to as a "transmission computer".

[0022] As used herein, the term "computing device" or "computer device" may refer to one or more electronic devices configured to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more networks or to communicate over one or more networks. The computing device may be a mobile device, a desktop computer, and / or the like. By way of example, a mobile device may include a cellular phone (e.g., a smart phone or a standard cellular phone), a portable computer, a wearable device (e.g., a watch, glasses, lenses, clothing, and / or the like), a personal digital assistant (PDA), and / or other similar devices. The computing device may not be a mobile device, such as a desktop computer. Additionally, the term "computer" may refer to any computing device that includes the necessary components for sending, receiving, processing, and / or outputting data and generally includes a display device, a processor, a memory, an input device, and a network interface and / or the like.

[0023] A "credential" may be any suitable information that serves as reliable evidence of value, ownership, identity, or authority. A credential may be a string of numbers, letters, or any other suitable characters that may be presented or contained in any object or document that can serve as confirmation. Examples of credentials include value certificates, identification cards, authentication documents, access cards, passwords, and other login information.

[0024] As used herein, an “electronic wallet,” “digital wallet,” or “mobile wallet” may store user profile information, payment information (including tokens and / or payment cards), bank account information, and / or the like, and may be used in a variety of transactions, such as, but not limited to, e-commerce, social networking, money transfers / personal payments, mobile commerce, proximity payments, gaming, and / or the like for retail purchases, digital goods purchases, utility payments, purchases of games or gaming points from gaming sites, transfers of funds between users, and / or the like.

[0025] "Issuer" may include a payment account issuer. A payment account (which may be associated with one or more payment devices) may refer to any suitable payment account (e.g., a credit card account, a checking account, a savings account, a merchant account assigned to a consumer, or a prepaid account), an employment account, an identification account, a registration account (e.g., a student account), etc.

[0026] As used herein, the term "merchant" may refer to one or more individuals or entities (e.g., a retail operator that provides goods and / or services to and / or obtains goods and / or services from users (e.g., clients, customers, customers of the merchant, and / or the like) based on a transaction (e.g., a payment transaction). As used herein, a "merchant system" may also refer to one or more computer systems operated by or on behalf of a merchant, such as a server computer that executes one or more software applications.

[0027] A "payment network" may refer to an electronic payment system used to accept, transmit, or process transactions made by payment devices for funds, goods, or services. A payment network may transmit information and funds between issuers, acquirers, merchants, and payment device users. An illustrative, non-limiting example of a payment network is VisaNet, which is operated by Visa, Inc.

[0028] A "payment processing network" may refer to a system that receives accumulated transaction information from a gateway processing service, typically at a fixed time each day, and performs a settlement process. Settlement may involve posting transactions to an account associated with a payment device used for the transaction and calculating a net debit or credit for each user of the payment device. An exemplary payment processing network is

[0029] As used herein, the term "server" may include one or more computing devices, which may be individual, stand-alone machines located at the same or different locations, may be owned or operated by the same or different entities, and may further be one or more clusters of distributed computers or "virtual" machines housed within a data center. Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that the functions performed by one "server" may be spread across multiple different computing devices for various reasons. As used herein, "server" is intended to refer to all such scenarios and should not be construed as or limited to a particular configuration. Additionally, a server as described herein may, but need not, reside at (or be operated by) a merchant, payment network, financial institution, healthcare provider, social media provider, government agency, or an agent of any of the foregoing entities. The term "server" may also refer to or include one or more processors or computers, storage devices, or similar computer arrangements that operate or facilitate communication and processing among multiple parties in a network environment such as the Internet, but it should be understood that communication may be facilitated through one or more public or private network environments and various other arrangements are possible. Further, multiple computers, such as servers, or other computerized devices, such as point-of-sale devices, that communicate directly or indirectly in a network environment may constitute a "system", such as a merchant's point-of-sale system. As used herein, a reference to a "server" or "processor" may refer to a previously described server and / or processor that is stated to perform a previous step or function, a different server and / or processor, and / or a combination of servers and / or processors. For example, as used in the specification and claims, a first server and / or first processor stated to implement a first step or function may refer to the same or different server and / or processor stated to implement a second step or function.

[0030] As used herein, the term "system" may refer to one or more computing devices or a combination of computing devices (e.g., processors, servers, client devices, software applications, components of these computing devices, and / or the like).

[0031] The term "transaction data" can include any data associated with one or more transactions. In some embodiments or aspects, the transaction data may include only account identifiers (e.g., PAN) or payment tokens. Alternatively, in other embodiments or aspects, the transaction data may include any information generated, stored, or associated with a merchant, consumer, account, or any other transaction-related information. For example, the transaction data may include data in an authorization request message generated in response to a payment transaction initiated by a consumer and a merchant. Alternatively, the transaction data may include information associated with one or more previously processed transactions, and the transaction information has been stored in a merchant database or other merchant computer. The transaction data may include an account identifier associated with a payment instrument used to initiate the transaction, consumer personal information, products or services purchased, or any other information that may be relevant or suitable for transaction processing. Additionally, the transaction information may include a payment token or other tokenized or masked account identifier substitute that can be used to complete the transaction and protect the consumer's underlying account information.

[0032] A "user" can include an individual. In some embodiments or aspects, a user may be associated with one or more personal accounts and / or mobile devices. A user may also be referred to as a cardholder, account holder, or consumer.

[0033] A "user device" is an electronic device that can be transferred and / or operated by a user. The user device can provide remote communication capabilities to a network. The user device can be configured to transmit data or communications to other devices and receive data or communications from other devices. In some embodiments or aspects, the user device can be portable. Examples of user devices can include mobile phones (e.g., smartphones, cellular phones, etc.), PDAs, portable media players, wearable electronic devices (e.g., smartwatches, fitness bands, ankle bracelets, rings, earrings, etc.), electronic reading devices, and portable computing devices (e.g., laptops, netbooks, ultrabooks, etc.). Examples of user devices can also include cars with remote communication capabilities.

[0034] There are various scenarios where an entity (e.g., a government entity) may distribute fungible funds to citizens or provide vouchers, coupons, discounts, or the like for a specific purpose. In one instance, a government entity may increase the goods and services tax and may therefore want to compensate citizens in the first few years after the increase takes effect. In another instance, a government entity may recognize that inflation has caused food prices to rise and may therefore want to compensate citizens. In each of the instances disclosed above and in other similar scenarios, an entity (e.g., a government entity) may distribute fungible funds to citizens or may provide vouchers, coupons, discounts, or the like to citizens. In relation to the instances disclosed above, a government entity may distribute fungible funds for citizens to use to help pay for the cost of the increased goods and services tax or to help pay for food affected by inflation. If a government entity wishes to provide vouchers, coupons, discounts, or the like to citizens instead of distributing fungible funds, then the government entity may provide a cashback for goods and services affected by the increase in the goods and services tax or may provide a cashback for food affected by inflation. For example, a government entity may provide a 3% cashback for food. Similarly, a government entity may provide a discount (e.g., 50% discount, up to $800 per month) for goods and services affected by the increase in the goods and services tax or may provide a discount for food affected by inflation. It should be noted that the instances disclosed herein are non-limiting. On the contrary, there are several scenarios where an entity (e.g., a government entity) may distribute fungible funds to citizens or provide vouchers, coupons, discounts, or the like for specific purposes that may not be disclosed herein. It should be understood and appreciated that the intention to expend fungible funds or to utilize vouchers, coupons, discounts, or the like provided by the intending issuing entity will be subject to the regulations and legal requirements of the jurisdiction in which the intention has been issued.

[0035] Although an entity (e.g., a government entity) may effectively distribute fungible funds to citizens or provide vouchers, coupons, discounts, or the like for a specific purpose, the entity has no control over how such fungible funds, vouchers, coupons, discounts, or the like are spent. In other words, the entity has no control over whether the fungible funds, vouchers, coupons, discounts, or the like are used for their specific or intended purpose. That is to say, if an entity distributes fungible funds to help pay for the cost of the increased goods and services tax, then the entity has no control over whether the distributed fungible funds are actually used to help pay for the increased goods and services tax or whether the distributed fungible funds are used for other purchases that the funds are not intended for. Similarly, if an entity distributes fungible funds to help pay for food affected by inflation, then the entity has no control over whether the distributed fungible funds are used to help pay for food affected by inflation or whether the distributed fungible funds are used for other purchases that the funds are not intended for.

[0036] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a solution that allows an entity (e.g., a government entity) to manage financial transactions based on a set of rules for alternative funds or the use of vouchers, coupons, discounts, or the like based on intended expenditures. The present disclosure further provides solutions for creating an intended expenditure account based on a set of rules and creating a prepaid payment instrument for use with alternative funds based on intended expenditures. As disclosed herein, the foregoing solutions utilize an Intended Money Manager Computer (IMMC), which will be described in more detail below with reference to each of Figures 1 to 8 which follows.

[0037] Figure 1 Swimlane diagram 100 depicting the process of creating an intended expenditure account according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The process of creating an intended expenditure account begins when an entity, such as an intention-issuing entity 101, sends 102 intention details to an Intended Money Manager Computer 103 (IMMC). According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the intention details may include a request to create an intended expenditure account, a set of transaction rules for alternative funds, vouchers, coupons, discounts, or the like that the transaction will follow to be eligible for the intended expenditure account, a budget for the intended expenditure account, and / or an approximate number of users that the intended expenditure account is intended for. Subsequently, the IMMC 103 receives and saves 104a the intention details in at least one database. The IMMC 103 further creates an intended expenditure account based on the received and saved 104a intention details and returns an intention identification code to 104b the intention-issuing entity 101, where the intention identification code corresponds to the newly created intended expenditure account. The IMMC 103 further sends an intended expenditure account creation notice to a financial institution 105 based on the financial institution 105 having subscribed 106 to the intended expenditure account creation notice of the IMMC 103. In other words, the financial institution 105 receives the intended expenditure account creation notice based on its subscription to the IMMC 103 for receiving the intended expenditure account creation notice. Based on the received notice, the financial institution 105 may begin to admit customers via at least one banking channel, such as branch banking, e-banking, and / or self-service banking. In addition, the financial institution 105 may enable customers to link an existing payment instrument (e.g., a credit card) to the intended expenditure account that is admitting them.

[0038] Figure 2Swimlane diagram 200 depicting the process of linking an existing payment instrument to an intended spending account and creating a virtual prepaid instrument with alternative funds that can be deposited into the intended spending account, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The process of linking an existing payment instrument to an intended spending account and creating a virtual prepaid instrument begins when a financial institution 105 starts to onboard a customer via at least one banking channel. The customer 201 first accepts 202 the terms and conditions of the intending entity 203. Subsequently, the customer 201 links the existing payment instrument to the intended spending account with which the customer is being onboarded and shares 204 the linked existing payment instrument and encrypted country identification code details with the intending entity 203. In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the existing payment instrument can be, for example, a credit card, a debit card, a prepaid card, or another payment instrument that can be used to conduct financial transactions.

[0039] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the encrypted country identification code details can include an encrypted country identification code number, or any similar encrypted identification information that can be associated with a single onboarded customer. After receiving the linked existing payment instrument and encrypted country identification code details, the intending entity 203 submits these, along with the intention details, to the intended funds manager computer 205 (IMMC).

[0040] Subsequently, the IMMC 205 receives and saves 208 the intention details in at least one database. The IMMC 205 further validates the received linked existing payment instrument and encrypted country identification code details and, based on successful validation, creates a virtual prepaid instrument for the onboarded customer, which is provided with alternative funds from the previously created intended spending account. Subsequently, the alternative funds added to the virtual prepaid instrument are posted to the intended spending account and verified against a previously defined intended spending budget. Finally, the IMMC 205 sends a confirmation message to the intending entity 203 and the customer 201. In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the confirmation message can include details about the virtual prepaid instrument and the alternative funds posted to the virtual prepaid instrument for use by the onboarded customer.

[0041] Figure 3 Flowchart 300 depicting a payment processing method that utilizes an intended funds manager computer 307 (IMMC), in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 3Illustrate how the IMMC 307 and the intended expenditure account can be used in the payment processing of an accepted customer. First, customer 301 sends 302 a payment request (e.g., a financial transaction) to merchant or acquirer 303. According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, customer 301 can send payment request 302 by initiating a financial transaction via a payment instrument, where the payment instrument can be a physical card or a digitally stored card in a digital wallet. Subsequently, merchant or acquirer 303 sends payment request 304 to payment network 305. Subsequently, payment network 305 obtains 306 intent information from IMMC 307 and a database storing intent information, such as a set of rules for the intended expenditure account of accepted customer 301. Subsequently, IMMC 307 verifies 308 the eligibility of the payment request based on the obtained intent information. Based on the verification that the payment request is eligible, IMMC 307 sends 310 the obtained intent information to payment network 305. Subsequently, payment network 305 applies 312 the obtained intent information to the payment request or transaction message by posting applicable fees (e.g., fees that satisfy the obtained intent information) to the virtual prepaid instrument of customer 301, where the virtual prepaid instrument is linked to the intended expenditure account. Subsequently, payment network 305 sends 314 an authorization message with the obtained intent information and the posted applicable fees to the issuing bank 309 of customer 301. Subsequently, issuing bank 309 approves or rejects 316 the payment request based on the available funds in the virtual prepaid instrument of customer 301 and posts the applicable fees to the intended expenditure account linked to the virtual prepaid instrument of customer 301. Subsequently, the payment request is completed and the applicable fees are deducted from the virtual prepaid instrument of customer 301.

[0042] To better understand the payment processing flow, consider the following example, as referenced Figure 3As described. Assume that customer 301 has been accepted for an intended spending account that provides the customer 301 with a 50% discount on food, up to $800 per month. Assume that customer 301 has submitted a payment request (e.g., a financial transaction) for a $100.00 transaction to merchant or acquirer 303, where $30.00 of the transaction corresponds to food. Subsequently, merchant or acquirer 303 sends 304 the payment request to payment network 305. Subsequently, payment network 305 obtains 306 intent information from IMMC 307 and a database that stores intent information, such as a set of rules for the intended spending account for which customer 301 has been accepted. In this example, the obtained intent information specifies that customer 301 is eligible for a 50% discount on food, up to $800 per month. Subsequently, IMMC 307 verifies 308 the eligibility of the payment request based on the obtained intent information. That is, IMMC 307 determines whether the payment request is eligible for the benefits specified by the obtained intent information (e.g., a 50% discount on food, up to $800 per month). In this example, IMMC 307 determines that $30.00 of the payment request is eligible for the benefits, while $70.00 of the payment request is not eligible for the benefits. Subsequently, IMMC 307 sends 310 the obtained intent information to payment network 305.

[0043] Subsequently, payment network 305 applies 312 the obtained intent information to the payment request or transaction message by posting the applicable charges (e.g., the charges that satisfy the obtained intent information) to the customer 301's virtual prepaid instrument, where the virtual prepaid instrument is linked to the intended spending account. In this example, the customer receives the benefit of a 50% discount on food, up to $800 per month. Thus, for the eligible $30.00 of the payment request, the customer will receive a $15.00 discount. Accordingly, $15.00 of the eligible $30.00 will be charged to the customer 301's virtual prepaid instrument, while the remaining $15.00 of the eligible $30.00 will be charged to the customer 301's existing payment instrument, such as an existing credit card, debit card, prepaid card, or the like that can be used to conduct financial transactions. Similarly, the remaining $70.00 that is not eligible for the benefits will be charged to the customer 301's existing payment instrument. Subsequently, payment network 305 sends 314 an authorization message with the obtained intent information and the posted applicable charges (e.g., $15.00) to the customer 301's issuer bank 309.

[0044] Subsequently, the issuing bank 309 approves or rejects 316 the payment request based on the available funds of the customer 301's virtual prepaid instrument. In this example, the customer 301's virtual prepaid instrument is provided with $800 per month for a 50% discount on food. Additionally, in this example, it is assumed that the customer has not utilized the benefit and thus has $800 remaining for the month. Accordingly, in this example, the issuing bank 309 approves the payment request based on the customer 301's virtual prepaid instrument having sufficient funds to complete the payment request. The issuing bank 309 further posts the applicable fees (e.g., $15.00) to the intended expenditure account linked to the customer 301's virtual prepaid instrument. Subsequently, the payment request is completed and the applicable fees are deducted from the customer 301's virtual prepaid instrument. In this example, the payment request is completed and although the customer 301 purchased food worth $30.00, only $15.00 is charged to their existing payment instrument for the food.

[0045] It should be noted that the foregoing example, as described with reference to Figure 3 merely represents one possible scenario and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. There are several other scenarios in which a customer can utilize the IMMC and the intended expenditure account to claim benefits of alternative funds, vouchers, coupons, discounts, or the like distributed by an entity (e.g., a government entity).

[0046] Figure 4 Illustrates a method 400 for managing financial transactions based on alternative funds for intended expenditure according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the method 400 will now be described in conjunction with the swimlane diagrams 100 and 200 shown in Figure 1 and 2 respectively. Accordingly, reference is now made to Figure 4 and Figure 1 and 2And 4, in at least one aspect, according to method 400, the IMMC 103 / 205 receives 402 a message from the intent-issuing entity 101 / 203, the message including a request to create an intent-expenditure account and a set of rules defining an expenditure method for alternative funds to be deposited into the intent-expenditure account. Subsequently, the IMMC 103 / 205 creates 404 the intent-expenditure account. In one aspect, the intent-expenditure account includes a unique intent identification code based on a set of rules, and the unique intent identification code is sent 406 to the intent-issuing entity 101 / 203. The IMMC 103 / 205 further sends 408 a notification to the participating financial institution 105, the notification including information related to the intent-expenditure account and a set of rules defining an expenditure method for alternative funds to be deposited into the intent-expenditure account. The IMMC 103 / 205 further receives 410 encrypted identification information of the customer 201 for acceptance by the participating financial institution 105 to participate in the intent-expenditure plan associated with the intent-expenditure account, information associated with the payment instrument of the customer 201. In one aspect, the payment instrument is linked to the intent-expenditure account, and information associated with the intent-expenditure account and a set of rules defining the expenditure method. The IMMC 103 / 205 further verifies 412 the encrypted identification information. Based on a successful verification 412 of the encrypted identification information, the IMMC 103 / 205 further creates 414 a prepaid payment instrument for the customer 201. The IMMC 103 / 205 further funds 416 the prepaid payment instrument based on the unique intent identification code until reaching the amount specified by the intent-issuing entity 101 / 203. The IMMC 103 / 205 further posts 418 the amount to the intent-expenditure account created by the IMMC 103 / 205. Finally, the IMMC 103 / 205 sends 420 information associated with the prepaid payment instrument and the amount to the participating financial institution 105. Although each of the functions 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420 of method 400 has been described herein as being performed by the IMMC 103 / 205, it should be understood that each of the functions 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420 of method 400 may be performed by any suitable component configured to manage financial transactions based on intent-expenditure alternative funds based on a set of rules.

[0047] Figure 5 Illustrates a method 500 for creating an intent-expenditure account according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the method 500 will now be described in conjunction with Figure 1 the swimlane diagram 100 shown in Figure 5 Accordingly, reference is now made to Figure 1 and 5, in at least one aspect, according to method 500, the IMMC 103 receives 502 a message from the intent-issuing entity 103, the message including a request to create an intent spending account and a set of rules defining a spending method for alternative funds to be deposited into the intent spending account. Subsequently, the IMMC 103 creates 504 the intent spending account based on the message. Finally, the IMMC 103 sends 506 a notification to the participating financial institution 105 based on the creation of the intent spending account. In one aspect, the notification includes information related to the intent spending account and a set of rules defining a spending method for alternative funds to be deposited into the intent spending account. In one aspect, the participating financial institution 105 enables a user to register for an intent spending plan associated with the intent spending account via at least one banking channel upon receipt of the notification. Although each of the functions 502, 504, 506 of method 500 has been described herein as being performed by the IMMC 103, it should be understood that each of the functions 502, 504, 506 of method 500 may be performed by any suitable element configured to create an intent spending account.

[0048] Figure 6 Illustrates method 600 for creating a prepaid payment instrument for use with alternative funds for intent spending based on a set of rules according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, will not be described together with Figure 2 the swimlane diagram 200 shown in Figure 6 method 600. Accordingly, reference is now made to Figure 2 and 6, in at least one aspect, according to method 600, the IMMC 205 receives 602 the encrypted identification information of the registered customer 201, the payment instrument of the registered customer 201. In one aspect, the payment instrument is linked to the intended expenditure account, and information associated with the intended expenditure account and a set of rules defining the expenditure method for the alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account. Subsequently, the IMMC 205 verifies 604 the encrypted identification information of the registered customer 201. The IMMC 205 further creates 606 a prepaid payment instrument for the registered customer based on the information associated with the intended expenditure account and a set of rules defining the expenditure method for the alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account. The IMMC 205 further funds 608 the prepaid payment instrument until it reaches the amount specified by the intent issuing entity 203. The IMMC 205 further posts 610 the amount to the intended expenditure account created by the IMMC 205. Finally, the IMMC 205 sends 612 the information associated with the prepaid payment instrument and the amount to the participating financial institution 203. Although each of the functions 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612 of method 600 is described herein as being performed by the IMMC 205, it should be understood that each of the functions 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612 of method 600 can be performed by any suitable element configured to create a prepaid payment instrument for use based on alternative funds for intended expenditure based on a set of rules.

[0049] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6 each of the foregoing systems and methods for managing financial transactions based on alternative funds for intended expenditure based on a set of rules may include or utilize a number of computer devices, computer systems, or the like, which create an intended expenditure account and create a prepaid payment instrument for use based on alternative funds for intended expenditure based on a set of rules. In other words, in order to utilize the systems and methods disclosed herein, at least one of a computer device, a computer system, or the like may be implemented. The following refers to Figure 7 the computer device 3000 shown in Figure 8 and the exemplary computer system 4000 shown in

[0050] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a computer device 3000 having a data processing subsystem or component according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 7The subsystems shown are interconnected via a system bus 3010. Additional subsystems are shown, such as a printer 3018, a keyboard 3026, a fixed disk 3028 (or other memory including computer-readable media), a monitor 3022 coupled to a display adapter 3020, and the like. Peripheral devices and input / output (I / O) devices coupled to an I / O controller 3012 (which may be a processor or any suitable controller) can be connected to the computer system by any number of means known in the art (e.g., a serial port 3024). For example, the serial port 3024 or an external interface 3030 can be used to connect the computer device to a wide area network (e.g., the Internet), a mouse input device, or a scanner. The interconnection via the system bus allows the central processor 3016 to communicate with each subsystem and allows the execution of instructions controlled from the system memory 3014 or the fixed disk 3028 and the exchange of information between the subsystems. The system memory 3014 and / or the fixed disk 3028 can be embodied as computer-readable media.

[0051] Figure 8 FIG. is a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer system 4000 including a host 4002 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, in which a set of instructions for performing any one or more of the methods discussed herein can be executed within the host. In various aspects, the host 4002 operates as a stand-alone device or can be connected (e.g., network-connected) to other machines. In a network deployment, the host 4002 can operate in the function of a server or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The host 4002 can be a computer or computing device, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a portable music player (e.g., a portable hard disk audio device, such as a Moving Picture Experts Group Audio Layer 3 (MP3) player), a network appliance, a network router, a switch, or a bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequentially or otherwise) specifying the actions to be taken by that machine. Additionally, although only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” should also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

[0052] Exemplary system 4000 includes a host 4002 that runs a host operating system (OS) 4004 on a processor or processors / processor cores 4006 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both) and various memory nodes 4008. The host OS 4004 may include a hypervisor 4010 that is capable of controlling functions and / or communicating with virtual machines (“VMs”) 4012 running on machine-readable media. The VM 4012 may also include a virtual CPU or vCPU 4014. The memory nodes 4008 may be linked or pinned to virtual memory nodes or vNodes 4016. When a memory node 4008 is linked or pinned to a corresponding vNode 4016, data may then be directly mapped from the memory node 4008 to its corresponding vNode 4016.

[0053] All of the various components shown in the host 4002 may be connected to and communicate with each other, either via a bus (not shown) or via other coupling or communication channels or mechanisms. The host 4002 may further include a video display, an audio device, or other peripheral devices 4018 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), one or more alphanumeric input devices including, for example, a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a voice recognition or biometric authentication unit, an external drive, a signal generating device (e.g., a speaker)), a permanent storage device 4020 (also referred to as a hard disk unit), and a network interface device 4022. The host 4002 may further include a data encryption module (not shown) for encrypting data. The components provided in the host 4002 are components that are typically present in a computer system suitable for use with aspects of the present disclosure and are intended to represent a broad class of such computer components known in the art. Thus, the system 4000 may be a server, a minicomputer, a mainframe computer, or any other computer system. The computer may also include different bus configurations, network platforms, multiprocessor platforms, and the like. A variety of operating systems may be used, including UNIX, LINUX, WINDOWS, QNX ANDROID, IOS, CHROME, TIZEN, and other suitable operating systems.

[0054] The disk unit 4024 can also be a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or other drives that include a computer or machine-readable medium, on which one or more sets of instructions and data structures (e.g., data / instruction 4026) that embody or utilize any one or more of the methods or functions described herein are stored. The data / instruction 4026 can also reside, in whole or at least in part, within the main memory node 4008 and / or within one or more processors 4006 during execution by the host 4002. The data / instruction 4026 can be further transmitted or received via the network interface device 4022 using any one of several known transfer protocols (e.g., Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP)) via the network 4028.

[0055] The one or more processors 4006 and the memory node 4008 can also include machine-readable media. The term "computer-readable medium" or "machine-readable medium" should be understood to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database and / or associated cache memory and servers) that store one or more instruction sets. The term "computer-readable medium" should also be understood to include any medium that can store, encode, or carry a set of instructions for execution by the host 4002 and that causes the host 4002 to perform any one or more of the methods of this application, or any medium that can store, encode, or carry the data structures utilized by such a set of instructions or data structures associated with such a set of instructions. Thus, the term "computer-readable medium" should be understood to include (but not be limited to) solid state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier signals. Such media can also include (but not be limited to) hard disks, floppy disks, flash memory cards, digital video discs, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and the like. The exemplary aspects described herein can be implemented in an operating environment that includes software installed on a computer, software installed in hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0056] Those skilled in the art will recognize that an Internet service can be configured to provide Internet access to one or more computing devices coupled to the Internet service, and the computing devices can include one or more processors, buses, memory devices, display devices, input / output devices, and the like. In addition, those skilled in the art can understand that the Internet service can be coupled to one or more databases, repositories, servers, and the like, which can be used to implement any one of the various aspects of the present disclosure described herein.

[0057] Computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, a server, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other devices to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide a process for implementing the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0058] For example, a suitable network can include any one or more of the following or interface with any one or more of: a local intranet, a PAN (Personal Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a Storage Area Network (SAN), a Frame Relay connection, an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) connection, a Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) connection, a digital T1, T3, E1, or E3 line, a Digital Data Service (DDS) connection, a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection, an Ethernet connection, an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) line, a dial-up port (e.g., V.90, V.34, or V.34), a dual analog modem connection, a cable modem, an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) connection, or an FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) or CDDI (Copper Distributed Data Interface) connection. Additionally, the communication can also include a link to any one of a variety of wireless networks, including WAP (Wireless Application Protocol), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), or TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), a cellular telephone network, GPS (Global Positioning System), CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data), a RIM (Research In Motion) duplex paging network, a Bluetooth radio, or a radio frequency network based on IEEE 802.11. The network 4030 can further include any one or more of the following or interface with any one or more of: an RS-232 serial connection, an IEEE-1394 (FireWire) connection, a Fibre Channel connection, an IrDA (Infrared) port, a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) connection, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection, or other wired or wireless, digital or analog interface or connection, a mesh or network connection.

[0059] Generally speaking, a cloud-based computing environment is a resource that typically combines the computing power of large groupings of processors (e.g., within a web server) and / or the storage capacity of large groupings of computer memory or storage devices. A system that provides cloud-based resources can be used only by its owner, or such systems can be accessed by external users who deploy applications within the computing information infrastructure to obtain the benefits of large-scale computing or storage resources.

[0060] For example, a cloud is formed by a network of web servers that includes multiple computing devices (e.g., host 4002), where each server 4030 (or at least a plurality thereof) provides processor and / or storage resources. These servers manage the workloads provided by multiple users (e.g., cloud resource customers or other users). Generally, the workload demands of each user on the cloud change in real time and sometimes even vary greatly. The nature and extent of these changes typically depend on the type of business associated with the user.

[0061] It should be noted that any hardware platform suitable for performing the processing described herein is suitable for use with the technology. As used herein, the terms "computer-readable storage medium" and "computer-readable storage media" refer to any one or more media that participate in providing instructions to a CPU for execution. Such media can take many forms, including (but not limited to) non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes (e.g.) optical or magnetic disks, such as a fixed disk. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as system RAM. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, among others, which include the wires that form an aspect of a bus. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include (e.g.) floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, any other magnetic media, CD-ROM discs, digital video discs (DVDs), any other optical media, any other physical media with a pattern of marks or holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH EPROM, any other memory chip or data exchange adapter, a carrier wave, or any other media from which a computer can read.

[0062] Various forms of computer-readable media can participate in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a CPU for execution. A bus carries the data to system RAM, and the CPU retrieves and executes the instructions from system RAM. The instructions received by system RAM may optionally be stored on a fixed disk before or after being executed by the CPU.

[0063] Computer program code for performing operations on aspects of the present technology may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages such as the "C" programming language, Go, Python, or other programming languages, including assembly language. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer; as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., using an Internet service provider via the Internet).

[0064] Examples of systems and methods in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure are provided in the numbered clauses below. Any aspect of a system or method may include any one or more than one of the numbered clauses described below and any combination thereof.

[0065] Clause 1: A computer-implemented method for managing financial transactions of alternative funds based on a set of rules for intended expenditures, the computer-implemented method comprising: receiving, by an intended funds manager computer, a message from an intention-issuing entity, the message including a request to create an intended expenditure account and a set of rules defining an expenditure method for alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account; creating, by the intended funds manager computer, the intended expenditure account. In one aspect, the intended expenditure account includes a unique intention identification code based on the set of rules; sending, by the intended funds manager computer, the unique intention identification code to the intention-issuing entity; sending, by the intended funds manager computer, a notification to a participating financial institution, the notification including information related to the intended expenditure account and the set of rules defining the expenditure method for the alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account; receiving, by the intended funds manager computer, encrypted identification information of a customer for the participating financial institution to admit to participate in an intended expenditure plan associated with the intended expenditure account, information associated with the customer's payment instrument, wherein the payment instrument is linked to the intended expenditure account, and information associated with the intended expenditure account and the set of rules defining the expenditure method; verifying, by the intended funds manager computer, the encrypted identification information; based on successful verification: creating, by the intended funds manager computer, a prepaid payment instrument for the customer; funding, by the intended funds manager computer, the prepaid payment instrument based on the unique intention identification code until reaching an amount specified by the intention-issuing entity; posting, by the intended funds manager computer, the amount to the intended expenditure account created by the intended funds manager computer; and sending, by the intended funds manager computer, information associated with the prepaid payment instrument and the amount to the participating financial institution.

[0066] Clause 2: The computer-implemented method according to Clause 1, wherein the message further includes at least one of a budget for the intended expenditure account or a target number of users of the intended expenditure account.

[0067] Clause 3: The computer-implemented method according to any one of Clauses 1 or 2, further comprising verifying, by the intended funds manager computer, the posted amount against the budget of the intended expenditure account based on the successful verification.

[0068] Clause 4: The computer-implemented method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the intention-issuing entity is a controlling entity.

[0069] Clause 5: The computer-implemented method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the payment instrument is at least one of a physical payment card or a digital payment card stored in a digital wallet.

[0070] Clause 6: The computer-implemented method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the prepaid payment instrument is a virtual payment card, and wherein the prepaid payment instrument is invisible to the customer.

[0071] Clause 7: The computer-implemented method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the encrypted identification information includes a country identification code.

[0072] Clause 8: A computer-implemented method for creating an intended expenditure account, the computer-implemented method comprising: receiving, by an intended funds manager computer, a message from an intention issuing entity, the message including a request to create an intended expenditure account and a set of rules defining an expenditure method for alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account; creating, by the intended funds manager computer, the intended expenditure account based on the message; and sending, by the intended funds manager computer and based on the creation of the intended expenditure account, a notification to a participating financial institution, wherein the notification includes information related to the intended expenditure account and the set of rules defining the expenditure method for the alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account, and wherein the participating financial institution enables a user to register an intended expenditure plan associated with the intended expenditure account via at least one banking channel after receiving the notification.

[0073] Clause 9: The computer-implemented method according to Clause 8, wherein the message further includes at least one of a budget for the intended expenditure account or a target number of users of the intended expenditure account.

[0074] Clause 10: The computer-implemented method according to any one of Clause 8 or 9, wherein the intention issuing entity is a controlling entity.

[0075] Clause 11: The computer-implemented method according to any one of Clauses 8 to 10, wherein a user will accept a terms and conditions agreement before registering the intended expenditure plan associated with the intended expenditure account.

[0076] Clause 12: The computer-implemented method according to any one of Clauses 8 to 11, wherein the at least one banking channel is one of branch banking, e-banking, or self-service banking.

[0077] Clause 13: The computer-implemented method according to any one of Clauses 8 to 12, wherein the set of rules further defines at least one of a number or a type of transactions eligible for a benefit.

[0078] Clause 14: The computer-implemented method according to any one of Clauses 8 to 13, wherein the participating financial institution receives the notification based on a subscription to the intended funds manager computer.

[0079] Clause 15: A computer-implemented method for creating a prepaid payment instrument for use with alternative funds for intended expenditures based on a set of rules, the computer-implemented method comprising: receiving, by a participating financial institution, a notification that an intended expenditure account has been created and enabling a user to register an intended expenditure plan associated with the intended expenditure account; receiving, by an intended funds manager computer, encrypted identification information of a registered customer, information associated with a payment instrument of the registered customer, wherein the payment instrument is linked to the intended expenditure account, and information associated with the intended expenditure account and a set of rules defining an expenditure method for alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account; verifying, by the intended funds manager computer, the encrypted identification information of the registered customer; based on successful verification: creating, by the intended funds manager computer, a prepaid payment instrument for the registered customer according to the information associated with the intended expenditure account and the set of rules defining the expenditure method for alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account; funding, by the intended funds manager computer, the prepaid payment instrument until an amount specified by an intention-issuing entity is reached; posting, by the intended funds manager computer, the amount to the intended expenditure account created by the intended funds manager computer; and sending, by the intended funds manager computer, information associated with the prepaid payment instrument and the amount to the participating financial institution.

[0080] Clause 16: The computer-implemented method according to Clause 15, further comprising verifying, by the intended funds manager computer, the posted amount against a budget of the intended expenditure account based on the successful verification.

[0081] Clause 17: The computer-implemented method according to any one of Clauses 15 or 16, wherein the intention-issuing entity is a controlling entity.

[0082] Clause 18: The computer-implemented method according to any one of Clauses 15 to 17, wherein the payment instrument is at least one of a physical payment card or a digital payment card stored in a digital wallet.

[0083] Clause 19: The computer-implemented method according to any one of Clauses 15 to 18, wherein the prepaid payment instrument is a virtual payment card, and wherein the prepaid payment instrument is not visible to the registered customer.

[0084] Clause 20: The computer-implemented method according to any one of Clauses 15 to 19, wherein the encrypted identification information includes a country identification code.

[0085] The foregoing detailed description has set forth various forms of systems and / or processes using block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples contain one or more functions and / or operations, those skilled in the art will understand that each function and / or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples can be implemented, individually and / or jointly, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the forms disclosed herein can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and will recognize that designing the circuitry and / or coding the software and / or firmware will be within the skill of those in the art in light of this disclosure. Additionally, those skilled in the art will understand that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as various forms of one or more program products, and will understand that the illustrative forms of the subject matter described herein apply regardless of the particular type of signal-bearing medium used to actually effect the distribution.

[0086] Instructions for programming the logic to perform the various disclosed aspects can be stored in a memory within the system, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), cache, flash memory, or other memory. Additionally, the instructions can be distributed via a network or by means of other computer-readable media. Thus, a machine-readable medium can include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer), but is not limited to floppy disks, optical disks, compact discs, CD-ROMs, and magneto-optical disks, ROMs, RAMs, erasable programmable ROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable ROMs (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or tangible machine-readable storage devices for transmitting information via electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.) over the Internet. Accordingly, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes any type of tangible machine-readable medium that appropriately stores or transmits machine (e.g., computer)-readable form of electronic instructions or information.

[0087] Any software component or functionality described in this application may be implemented as software code executed by a processor using, for example, conventional or object-oriented techniques and any suitable computer language (e.g., Python, Java, C++, or Perl). The software code may be stored as a series of instructions or commands on a computer-readable medium, such as RAM, ROM, magnetic media (e.g., hard disk or floppy disk), or optical media (e.g., CD-ROM). Any such computer-readable medium may reside on or within a single computing device and may be on or within different computing devices in a system or network.

[0088] As used in any aspect herein, the term "logic" may refer to an application, software, firmware, and / or circuitry configured to perform any of the foregoing operations. The software may be embodied as a software package, code, instructions, instruction set, and / or data recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The firmware may be embodied as code, instructions, or instruction set and / or data hard-coded (e.g., non-volatile) in a memory device.

[0089] As used in any aspect herein, the terms "component", "system", "module", and the like may refer to a computer-related entity, i.e., hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution.

[0090] As used in any aspect herein, an "algorithm" refers to a self-consistent sequence of steps that produce a desired result, where a "step" refers to the manipulation of a physical quantity and / or a logical state, which although not necessarily in the form of an electrical or magnetic signal capable of being stored, transmitted, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. These signals are commonly referred to as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. These and similar terms may be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities and / or states.

[0091] The network may include a packet-switched network. Communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using a selected packet-switched network communication protocol. An exemplary communication protocol may include an Ethernet communication protocol, which may be able to allow communication using the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP). The Ethernet protocol may conform to or be compatible with the Ethernet standard titled "IEEE 802.3 Standard" published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in December 2008 and / or subsequent versions of this standard. Alternatively or additionally, communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using the X.25 communication protocol. The X.25 communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with the standards promulgated by the International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). Alternatively or additionally, communication devices are able to communicate with each other using the Frame Relay communication protocol. The Frame Relay communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with the standards promulgated by the Consultative Committee for International Telegraph and Telephone (CCITT) and / or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Alternatively or additionally, transceivers may be able to communicate with each other using the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) communication protocol. The ATM communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with the ATM standard titled "ATM-MPLS Network Interworking 2.0" published by the ATM Forum in August 2001 and / or subsequent versions of this standard. Of course, different and / or developed connection-oriented network communication protocols are also contemplated herein.

[0092] Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the foregoing disclosure, it should be understood that throughout this disclosure, discussions using terms such as "processing," "computing," "operating," "determining," "displaying," or the like refer to actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within computer system registers and memories and transforms it into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within a computer system memory or register or other such information storage, transmission, or display device.

[0093] One or more components may be referred to herein as "configured to", "configurable to", "operable / operates as", "adapted / adapts to", "capable of", "compliant / complies with", etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that "configured to" generally can cover active state components and / or inactive state components and / or standby state components, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0094] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in general, terms used herein and particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims) are generally intended to be "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least", the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to", etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that if a specific number of introduced claim recitations is intended, such intent will be expressly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, there is no such intent. By way of example, for purposes of illustration, the following appended claims may contain the use of introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to mean that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to a claim containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim contains an introductory phrase "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should generally be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same is true for the use of a definite article to introduce a claim recitation.

[0095] In addition, even when the specific number of claim statements introduced is explicitly stated, those skilled in the art will recognize that such statements should generally be interpreted as meaning at least the stated quantity (e.g., stating only "two statements" without other modifiers generally means at least two statements, or two or more statements). Further, in those cases where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, generally, such constructs are expected to be understood in the sense that those skilled in the art will understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" will include but not be limited to a system having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those cases where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, generally, such constructs are intended to be made in the sense that those skilled in the art will understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" will include but not be limited to a system having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art should further understand that, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, distinct words and / or phrases that typically present two or more alternative terms should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of the terms, any one of the terms, or both terms, unless the context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase "A or B" will generally be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0096] Regarding the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operations generally may be performed in any order. Additionally, although various operation flowcharts are presented in one or more sequences, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those illustrated, or may be performed simultaneously. Examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaving, interrupting, reordering, incrementing, preparatory, supplementary, simultaneous, reversing, or other variations of the order, unless the context dictates otherwise. Further, terms such as "in response to", "associated with", or other past tense adjectives generally are not intended to exclude such variations, unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0097] It should be noted that any reference to "an aspect", "one aspect", "an example", "one example", and the like means that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the aspect are included in at least one aspect. Thus, the phrases "in one aspect", "in one aspect", "in an example", and "in one example" that appear in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same aspect. Additionally, the specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0098] As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents.

[0099] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or other published material cited in this specification and / or listed in any application data sheet is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that the incorporated material is not inconsistent therewith. Thus, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as expressly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated by reference. Any material or portion thereof that is said to be incorporated by reference herein but which conflicts with the existing definitions, statements, or other published material set forth herein will be incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the existing published material. It is not admitted that they are prior art.

[0100] In summary, numerous benefits have been described that result from using the concepts described herein. The foregoing description has been presented in one or more forms for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The one or more forms have been chosen and described in order to illustrate the principles and practical applications so that others skilled in the art may utilize the various forms and make various modifications as suited to the particular use contemplated. The claims presented herein are intended to define the general scope.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for managing financial transactions of alternative funds based on intended expenditures according to a set of rules, the computer-implemented method comprising: Receiving, by an intended funds manager computer, a message from an intention issuing entity, the message including a request to create an intended expenditure account and a set of rules defining an expenditure method for alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account; Creating, by the intended funds manager computer, the intended expenditure account, wherein the intended expenditure account includes a unique intention identification code based on the set of rules; Sending, by the intended funds manager computer, the unique intention identification code to the intention issuing entity; Sending, by the intended funds manager computer, a notification to a participating financial institution, the notification including information related to the intended expenditure account and the set of rules defining the expenditure method for the alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account; Receiving, by the intended funds manager computer, encrypted identification information of a customer for acceptance by the participating financial institution to participate in an intended expenditure plan associated with the intended expenditure account, information associated with the customer's payment tool, wherein the payment tool is linked to the intended expenditure account, and information associated with the intended expenditure account and the set of rules defining the expenditure method; Verifying, by the intended funds manager computer, the encrypted identification information; Based on successful verification: Creating, by the intended funds manager computer, a prepaid payment tool for the customer; Funding, by the intended funds manager computer, the prepaid payment tool based on the unique intention identification code until an amount specified by the intention issuing entity is reached; Posting, by the intended funds manager computer, the amount to the intended expenditure account created by the intended funds manager computer; and Sending, by the intended funds manager computer, information associated with the prepaid payment tool and the amount to the participating financial institution.

2. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the message further includes at least one of a budget for the intended expenditure account or a target number of users of the intended expenditure account.

3. The computer-implemented method according to claim 2, further comprising verifying, by the intended funds manager computer based on the successful verification, the posted amount against the budget of the intended expenditure account.

4. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the intention issuing entity is a controlling entity.

5. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the payment tool is at least one of a physical payment card or a digital payment card stored in a digital wallet.

6. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the prepaid payment tool is a virtual payment card, and wherein the prepaid payment tool is invisible to the customer.

7. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the encrypted identification information includes a country identification code.

8. A computer-implemented method for creating an intended expenditure account, the computer-implemented method comprising: Receiving, by an intended funds manager computer, a message from an intended issuing entity, the message including a request to create an intended expenditure account and a set of rules defining an expenditure method for alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account; Creating, by the intended funds manager computer, the intended expenditure account based on the message; and Sending, by the intended funds manager computer and based on the creation of the intended expenditure account, a notification to a participating financial institution, wherein the notification includes information related to the intended expenditure account and the set of rules defining the expenditure method for the alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account, and wherein the participating financial institution enables a user to register an intended expenditure plan associated with the intended expenditure account upon receiving the notification.

9. The computer-implemented method according to claim 8, wherein the message further includes at least one of a budget for the intended expenditure account or a target user number of the intended expenditure account.

10. The computer-implemented method according to claim 8, wherein the intended issuing entity is a controlling entity.

11. The computer-implemented method according to claim 8, wherein a user will accept a terms and conditions agreement before registering the intended expenditure plan associated with the intended expenditure account.

12. The computer-implemented method according to claim 8, wherein the at least one banking channel is one of a branch bank, an e-bank, or a self-service bank.

13. The computer-implemented method according to claim 8, wherein the set of rules further defines at least one of a number or a type of transactions eligible for a benefit.

14. The computer-implemented method according to claim 8, wherein the participating financial institution receives the notification based on a subscription to the intended funds manager computer.

15. A computer-implemented method for creating a prepaid payment instrument for use according to alternative funds for intended expenditure based on a set of rules, the computer-implemented method comprising: Based on a participating financial institution receiving a notification of an already created intended expenditure account and enabling a user to register an intended expenditure plan associated with the intended expenditure account: Receiving, by an intended funds manager computer, encrypted identification information of a registered customer, information associated with a payment instrument of the registered customer, wherein the payment instrument is linked to the intended expenditure account, and information associated with the intended expenditure account and a set of rules defining an expenditure method for alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account; Verifying, by the intended funds manager computer, the encrypted identification information of the registered customer; Based on successful verification: Creating, by the intended funds manager computer, a prepaid payment instrument for the registered customer according to the information associated with the intended expenditure account and the set of rules defining the expenditure method for the alternative funds to be deposited into the intended expenditure account. Fund the prepaid payment instrument through the intent funds manager computer until an amount specified by the intent issuing entity is reached; Post the amount to the intent expenditure account created by the intent funds manager computer through the intent funds manager computer; and Send information associated with the prepaid payment instrument and the amount to the participating financial institution through the intent funds manager computer.

16. The computer-implemented method according to claim 15, further comprising validating the posted amount against a budget of the intent expenditure account through the intent funds manager computer based on the successful verification.

17. The computer-implemented method according to claim 15, wherein the intent issuing entity is a controlling entity.

18. The computer-implemented method according to claim 15, wherein the payment instrument is at least one of a physical payment card or a digital payment card stored in a digital wallet.

19. The computer-implemented method according to claim 15, wherein the prepaid payment instrument is a virtual payment card, and wherein the prepaid payment instrument is invisible to the registered customer.

20. The computer-implemented method according to claim 15, wherein the encrypted identification information includes a country identification code.

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